What would Ann Landers and Abigail Van Buren say? by Sharon Heagy

In our everyday encounters with our fellow humans, we may be bombarded by recommendations and opinions offered by family, friends and neighbours, both solicited and unsolicited. Some of this advice is good and solid, based on experience and knowledge. Wise words build up and encourage, even when they may be tough to hear. Other advice can be hurtful and demeaning and leave us drowning in a discouraging puddle of tears. 

In 1943 columnist and nurse, Ruth Crowley, started writing an advice column for the Chicago Sun-Times under the pseudonym Ann Landers titled, "Ask Ann Landers." She wrote from 1943-47 and from 1952-55 when the column was taken over by Esther "Eppie" Pauline Lederer who composed the column until 2002. 

Not to be outdone, Esther's twin sister, Pauline "Popo" Esther Phillips began writing a rival advice column for the San Francisco Chronicle titled, "Dear Abby" using the pseudonym Abigail Van Buren whose name she derived from the name Abigail from the book of 1Samuel and Van Buren a former U.S. president. She wrote this column until 1987 when her daughter, Jeanne Philips, took over. She continues to pen the feature to this day. 

When "Popo" took up her pen it caused quite a competition and a lengthy estrangement between the sisters. Both women used a "straightforward, tone, practical advice and a firm but modern moral sensibility" as well as "humour, including sarcasm and one-liners, in their responses" according to the Jewish Women's Archive. But from what I remember reading the columns in the daily paper as a kid, their advice wasn't always wise or helpful and sometimes held a mean streak. But what do I know? I was only a kid and was not wise to the ways of the world or the adults in it. It's not like I spent a lot of time reading advice columns. My leanings led more towards the funny pages. Oh boy, that's an antiquated phrase. Perhaps I should say comics. Yet even the word newspaper is almost antique. 

Writing this post posed a challenge as I have received numerous good tips and some great advice from a plethora of sources on the internet, in books and in person. How do you choose the absolute best? Each one suited a particular time in my writing journey. Perhaps what has tickled and inspired my author's brain would be a yawner to you. On the other hand I have gleaned some great stuff this month from the posts of others. See, that's the thing, we all need to seek out great advice.

How do we do that? There are a few places I have found terrific motivation and would urge you to give some a whirl.

1. Attend conferences and workshops and WorDshops. Take a class. Attend events wanting to nourish and excite the writer within!  Be teachable and find out what sparks a fire in your belly. Take LOTS of notes.

2. Read books about writing. Anne Lamott, Annie Dillard, Natalie Goldberg, Stephen King, Julia Cameron & Brenda Ueland have all written inspiring books on writing. Grab one and get food by gnawing on their knowledge of the craft.

3. Don't dismiss anything, even if it seems dry and uninteresting. Dig deeper because there may be a nugget from the Lord that is worth the mining.

4. Read Scripture and let the Lord speak to your heart.  Some of my favourites regarding those called by God to write are:

Colossians 3:23 "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,"

1Samuel 15:22 "But Samuel replied: "Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams."

Psalm 102:18 "Let this be written for a future generation, that a people not yet created may praise the Lord."

Psalm 19:14 "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. 

Proverbs 16:3 "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans."

And finally, take all those suggestions, throw them in the tub and bathe them with prayer.

Write on, my friends, write on and may God's hand be upon your words.

Sharon Heagy writes from the wonderful town of Rockglen, Saskatchewan where she lives with her husband, a big dog and furry cats. She writes to bring hope and humour to a world that needs both. She can be reached at sharonheagy@gmail.com 

Thanks for taking the time to visit today. God bless.